Emily’s phone rang and she looked at it in surprise. “Kiwi!” She said as she answered it.
“We’re gonna want to stop about 5 minutes up the road.” Kiwi said.
“What for?” Emily asked.
“You’ll see,” Kiwi replied before hanging up.
Emily turned to Luke. “Kiwi says we’re going to want to stop in about 5 minutes.” Emily shrugged.
Luke looked up to see the two cars in front indicating to pull into a carpark on the side of the road.
“What in the name of the Goddess is that?” Luke asked. They got out and looked at the thing Kiwi got them to stop for.
“Early birthday present for Emily.” Kiwi smiled.
“It’s a giant koala!” Emily squealed in delight.
“Wait, it gets better.” Kiwi said. “Follow me.”
Emily followed him to a little building at the side and Kiwi took out some money, sliding it across the counter. The man nodded to a basket full of white bags on the counter. Kiwi took 3 bags and followed the man outside, Emily following behind.
“Ooohhhh.” Emily breathed as she looked around the yard. There were all types of Australian animals.
“Wouldya like to hold a koala love?” The man asked.
“Can I?” Emily asked excitedly. The man went into an enclosure, holding the gate open for them. Kiwi, Luke and Emily followed. He walked over to a low branch where a koala sat eating gum leaves. He gently took it down from the tree and showed Emily how to hold her. Emily held out her arms while the man helped the koala settle.
“Ohhh Goddess, I will never forget this moment.” Emily breathed as the koala snuggled into her hip.
“Lets get a piccy.” Kiwi said, gesturing for Luke and Emily to stand together. Kiwi took a couple of pictures and sent them through to Emily and Luke’s phones.
After the koala was returned to its branch, they wandered around and fed some kangaroos and wallabies. They also saw some emus and kookaburras.
“ Your animals are so amazing!” Emily gushed, snapping photo after photo.
The sound of motorcycles got Kiwis' attention. He looked through the wire mesh fencing to see 3 men getting off their bikes and walking inside. He walked to the side of the building where he stood near a window to listen.
“Hey there, we are supposed to be travelling with some friends, but we lost them along the highway. A group of Americans and a Kiwi in a white van. Have you seen them by any chance?” One of the men asked.
The woman behind the counter shook her head. “Can’t say I have. Haven’t seen a van at all today.” She shrugged.
“ Thank you.” The man smiled. They walked outside and looked around before getting back on their bikes and riding away.
The woman walked outside. “Three guys just came in looking for you. Lucky you switched cars. They looked like bad news.” She said.
“ Thank you for covering for us.” Kiwi smiled.
“Just answered the question love. He asked if I had seen Americans and a Kiwi in a van. They didn’t ask if I’d seen Americans and a Kiwi in 3 Landcruisers.” She said with a wink. “Are you guys safe?” She asked.
“For now, thanks to you,” Kiwi replied, “But it might be worth staying a little longer to give them a head start.”
“Well, make ya way through to the restaurant and we’ll rustle up some lunch.” The woman said as she pointed towards the restaurant.
Kiwi went outside to get the rest of the group.
“Hey Luke.” Kiwi said, walking away from the others a little. “Those fullas from Melbourne were here. I’d say they sent people out in all directions just to be sure.”
“Is Derek safe?” Luke asked quietly. He had deposited $100,000 in his account to help him disappear.
“He is,” Kiwi confirmed. “I suggest some lunch to give them a decent headstart.”
“Good idea,” Luke agreed as they walked inside.
Emily was positively beaming as Luke took a seat beside her, casually sliding his hand over the back of her chair. She showed him a photo of the two of them beaming as she held the koala.
“Sure doesn’t feel like we’re here to collect Blane.” Anton sighed as he looked around the table. “Sorry.” He said, lowering his head.
“It’s OK Anton, I’m pretty sure we all feel the same way. It almost feels like a holiday.” Luke smiled.
“I wish Blane were here with us, then it would be a holiday.” Emily smiled. “You know what, I think you guys should come back every year and tour Australia in Blanes' memory.”
“What about you, my sister?” Kiwi asked.
Emily lowered her eyes. “It’s my birthday tomorrow. Once we return, I will be married to someone of my father's choosing.”
“Then who are you to her?” Kiwi asked Luke.
“Not the man her father would choose,” Luke said sadly.
“Well, screw that, you gotta fight it. You two belong together.” Kiwi said, becoming quite animated.
“You don’t fight my father Kiwi.” Emily smiled.
Kiwi looked at Luke, who very subtly shook his head. Kiwi nodded and moved on.
“Well, my brothers, anytime you want to return, I am happy to be your guide!” Kiwi winked.
They ordered their lunch and sat back to relax.
“ Thank you for the stop Kiwi, it was food for my soul.” Emily smiled.
“I know you are here for real sorry business sister, and my heart is with you, but there’ll be time to mourn. If you truly can not return, no one is going to think less of you for enjoying this trip.” Kiwi said.
Everybody mumbled their agreement.
Thankyou.” Emily smiled as Luke traced circles on her back with his fingers.
Their meals arrived quickly and they ate in relative silence. When they had finished, they left a large tip and made their way to the cars. As Emily got into the car, Luke went to speak to Anton and Scott.
“Kiwi said the guys from Melbourne were here asking for us. They are ahead but now we don’t know where. They think we are still in the van, so we have that going for us. If someone seems a little to interested, don’t speak. They are looking for our accents.” Luke warned them.
They both nodded.
“They’re on motorcycles.”
They moved back to their cars and prepared to leave.
“Listen to this one.” Emily said as Luke got into the car and started the engine.
She connected her phone and the sounds of the Cruel Sea filled the car. “It’s called The Honeymoon is Over.”
Luke started to nod along with the music. “I like that.” He smiled.
“I knew you would.” Emily smiled in return.
Luke…” Emily began.
“Yes?” He answered.
“Why don’t I feel like Blane is really gone?” She asked, twisting her wild red hair around her finger.
Luke sighed. “I don’t know Babe; I don’t feel like he’s gone either. Its weird, I try to reach out to him, and it feels more blocked than gone. I can’t explain it.” He put his hand on her knee, squeezing it gently. She smiled as butterflies exploded in her stomach.
“Oooohhhh, Luke stop!” Emily cried out as they drove through the town of Coonalpyn. Luke pulled over onto the side of the road.
“Let me guess, more roadside art?” He asked, looking through the passenger window. “Wow.” He said, getting out for a better look.
The other two cars had noticed them stop and pulled over a little further up. Emily had her phone out, taking photos of the massive artwork depicting children at play painted on the side of a wheat silo.
“I’m sorry, I forgot about this. You will see more of these as we go along.” Kiwi smiled.
“It’s beautiful,” Emily breathed as she wrapped her arms around Luke.
“I’ll search them out tonight and map them so we can see as many as you like.” Kiwi smiled.
“Thankyou Kiwi!” Emily smiled.
“Anything for you, my sister,” Kiwi said with a bow.
Kiwi waved them in front of the silos and took some pictures of them.
“ OK, we’d better get moving. Still a long way to Radelaide.” Kiwi called out as he walked towards his car.
They were back on the road and Emily was looking out the window.
“What are you thinking about?” Luke asked as he glanced her way.
“Us growing up.” Emily smiled. “You, me and Blane. We have some great memories, don’t we?”
“We certainly do.” He laughed.
“And none of it is recorded. Mum and Dad never took photos of us.” Emily sighed.
“My folks have some of all of us.” Luke smiled. “There are some in frames in my bedroom at home.”
“You had photos of me in your bedroom?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.
Luke grinned.
“Did your other women see them?” She asked.
“No, because I never took women home to my parents' house.” He smiled.
Emily sighed.
“I’ve loved you since I was 12.” She admitted.
“I know,” Luke replied.
“So why didn’t you ever try anything with me?” She asked.
“Because I would never play with your heart like that, Em. You’re to important to me.”
He held out his hand and she grasped it, rubbing her thumb over his.
They drove in silence for a while as the sun began to lower in the distance.
Emily’s phone pinged with a message from Anton. ‘Kiwi said these are the Adelaide Hills. We should see Adelaide soon.’
Emily sent back one word. ‘RADelaide.’
“Kiwi said these are the Radelaide Hills and we should see Radelaide soon.” She said.
Luke nodded, yawning.
The hills suddenly gave way to the city. It was late in the day, but the traffic here was a lot lighter than it had been in Melbourne and they made their way through to their accommodation in Glenelg with relative ease.
“The Beach!” Emily squealed as they pulled up.
“How perfect,” Luke sighed.
“If we’re quick, we might make the shops and buy some bathers,” Kiwi called out.
“YES!!” Emily squealed, getting back into the car. They drove around the corner to a shopping centre parking their cars. They began to walk towards the shops, unaware of the attention they were receiving. Emily smiled, she was well aware. It was something she had gotten used to with Blane and Luke over the years. Everywhere they went they attracted attention.
Thinking of Blane made her sigh sadly. Luke saw it and walked up behind her, putting his arm around her waist. She leaned into him slightly as they looked for clothes stores.
Luke and Emily went looking for a bathing suit for her while the others looked around.
“Sit down and let me try some on, see what you think.” She winked.
Luke sat on a chair facing the change rooms while Emily took some very skimpy swim suits in to try on. When she had the first one on she walked out, turning around.
Luke’s eyes widened as she modelled it for him. It fit her perfectly, so perfectly that she had gained the attention of some men who were also in the store.
“Just get them all.” Luke said, swallowing hard. He was desperate to keep his wolf Kai under control. He also had a raging erection and no way to relieve it.
Emily walked back into the change room and winked, gesturing at Luke with her finger. Luke shook his head at her. Emily pouted and tried again.
“Are you freakin serious bro, go get that. She’s hot!” A male shopper called out from the other side of the store. Emily let out a giggle that made his heart flutter. Luke looked at the shopper, then at Emily who was wiggling her hips and he stood, walking towards the change room. As she shut the door behind them, the store cheered.
“Oh my Goddess.” Emily laughed as Luke blushed.
“We’re definitely buying that one.” Luke whispered as he lifted her and held her against the wall of the changeroom with his hips. He smashed his lips down on hers, kissing her hungrily as she ground up against him.
“We are never going to have this moment again.” She breathed into his ear. “Take me, I know I’m yours.”
“You know I cant.” He whispered as she continued to grind against him. His breath became ragged as he leant into her neck. The bulge in his pants rubbed against her as her breathing quickened.
“Then keep doing that.” She whispered as she kissed his neck.
Luke raised one hand and undid the top of the suit, teasing her n*****s with his tongue.
“Ohh, keep going.” She whispered as her body began to tense and she climaxed. He held her, soothing her as her body shook and she tried to calm her breathing.
She smiled at him and he let her go, the bulge in his pants still obvious. She slid down his body until she was kneeling in front of him, undoing the fastenings of his pants.
“Em!” He whispered, but before he could protest she had taken him in her mouth. He looked down to see her beautiful eyes staring up at him.
He leaned back against the wall, rolling his eyes in pleasure. He was so close already, but this, this was bliss.
He held her hair back away from her face, watching as she brought him to his own c****x.
“Stop, Em I’m going to…Ohhh uugghhh.” His breathing was ragged and he could barely speak. Emily looked up and smiled, licking her lips and winking at him.
“Geez Em, I’m sorry.” He said, helping her up.
“Don’t be.” She smiled.
They quickly got dressed and Emily retrieved the bathing suit. They opened the door to find an audience waiting for them. Luke stared in embarrassment while Emily smiled. A cheer went up and the crowd clapped and whistled.
“You’re taking that bikini, I’m guessing?” The girl behind the counter laughed.
“We’ll just take all of them.” Luke mumbled, handing over his credit card.
“Quick pic for the Wall of Fame?” another shop assistant asked, pointing to a wall of pictures of couples in front of the changeroom door.
Emily looked at Luke with those pleading eyes he could never resist. He smiled.
“Fine.” He said. "We're never going to have this moment again, right?"
They had their photo taken and it was printed and placed on the wall.
As they walked out, someone gave them a loud wolf whistle. They looked at each other and burst out laughing.
“How can you not love this place, we were just treated like celebrities because they think we shagged in the changeroom!” Emily laughed.
“It’s growing on me.” He said, kissing her forehead.
“Where have you two been?” Anton asked as he walked towards them.
“Swimmers.” Emily answered, holding up the bag.
“I need clothes.” Luke groaned. “This country is hot and I only brought pants and shirts.”
“This way my friend.” Kiwi said, walking towards a Big W. “I know you have probably never brought a suit under $1000 before, so this place will rock your world.”
Emily laughed. “That’s funny Kiwi. Their shirts alone cost $1000.”
Kiwi looked at Emily in horror.
“It’s expected, Kiwi. Her brother is a billionaire, it's part of the image,” Luke added.
“Bro, I don’t even own $1000 worth of clothes.” Kiwi replied.
They wandered into the store and Emily immediately found some shorts and cool retro tshirts.
“This way, my brothers,” Kiwi said, collecting a trolley as he walked past. They walked to the men's section where Kiwi pointed out a selection of tshirts and tank tops.
“I would say that since you’re only going to be here a week, that will suit your needs,” Kiwi said.
They began to search through racks, laughing over pictures on TShirts. Emily dumped her clothes in the trolley and began looking at tank tops for Luke.
“What is Mambo?” Emily asked Kiwi.
“Aussie surf wear my sister.” Kiwi replied.
“Is that a dog farting a musical note?” Luke asked, holding up a tshirt.
“It certainly is my friend,” Kiwi laughed.
Luke put the tshirt into the trolley.
Scott held up a pair of swimmers for men in front of his crotch, laughing.
“Ahhh, the old budgie smugglers.” Kiwi laughed.
“What?” Scott asked, looking at them.
“They’re called budgie smugglers,” Kiwi replied.
Scott looked at them.
“When you have them on it looks like you’re smuggling a budgie.” Kiwi said, pointing to his crotch.
“Maybe for you, my friend, but I look like I’m smuggling an anaconda.” Scott laughed, winking at a woman who giggled.
Kiwi laughed and continued to push the trolley around.
“Kiwi, grab what you need.” Luke said.
“Nah Bro, it's ok. I appreciate everything you done for me already,” Kiwi said.
“Kiwi, he’s a multi-millionaire with a credit card from my father, who is a billionaire. Go ahead, buy some clothes.” Emily said.
“We couldn’t have done this trip without you Kiwi. We owe you.” Luke said. “It’s only money at the end of the day.”
They finished their shopping and made their way to the carpark. After loading up the cars, they headed for the hotel.
They were staying in a hotel on the beach with amazing views. They checked in and went to their rooms to change.
Emily came out wearing the bikini she’d had on earlier.
“That will never not make me horny.” Luke laughed as he looked at her with appreciation.
“Good,” Emily said, patting him on the bum as she walked past. They grabbed their towels and made their way down to the beach.
“Betcha glad you got a pair of double pluggers, huh?” Kiwi asked as they met on the beach. Luke had been apprehensive about buying footwear called ‘thongs’, but they had convinced him.
“Double pluggers.” Emily roared with laughter. “I shall never call them flip flops again!”
Emily ran off towards the water as the men followed her protectively.
“Amazing girl.” Kiwi said, watching her go.
“She really is.” Luke smiled as he watched her splash Scott playfully.
“ Tomorrow's her birthday yeah?” Kiwi asked.
“Yes it is.”
“Where do you plan to be when she has her first shift?” Kiwi asked.
Luke turned and looked at him in horror. He was so caught up in confirming they were mates he hadn’t considered her first shift and the mating frenzy.
“Don’t worry Bro, I got you. I know just the place.”